Lucknow Super Giants defeated Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at Wankhede Stadium on Friday. Mumbai Indians were set to chase a target of 215 runs and were restricted to 196 for 6. Earlier, Nicholas Pooran scored 75 runs off 29 balls as the Lucknow Super Giants posted a total of 214 for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs.

The Lucknow Super Giants needed to beat Mumbai Indians with a margin of over 300 runs to stay alive in playoff race but they could only reach 214. KL Rahul also played a crucial knock of 55 runs off 41 deliveries. In defence of the total, Ravi Bishnoi picked up 2 important wickets and gave just 37 runs and played a pivotal role for the Lucknow Super Giants.

Mumbai Indians’s chase started slowly with just 33 runs in 23 balls before the match ended due to rain. The game resumed after a 45-minute break as Rohit Sharma hit 2 consecutive boundaries to Mohsin Khan. Mumbai Indians managed to increase the run rate after the break, courtesy of some brilliant hitting by Rohit and Dewald Brevis, as they took the score to 53 by the end of the Powerplay. The former skipper reached his half-century with a 6 to Mohsin off just 28 balls.

Naveen-ul-Haq provided the opening breakthrough to Lucknow Super Giants with the dismissal of Brewis. Protea tried clearing the long-off boundary but mistimed the ball. Krunal Pandya, who was standing on the long off had to run and cover a few yards to take a diving catch at the end.

Suryakumar Yadav came at number 3 but did not last for too long as he was dismissed after 3 deliveries.  The Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul may have pre-empted Surya’s shot because just before the wicket ball was bowled, Rahul asked the square leg fielder (Ravi Bishnoi) to move towards his left.

The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, MS Dhoni, was recently seen in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) dressing room. The now-viral video was posted by RCB’s official social account, in which they were seen welcoming Dhoni with a cup of tea.

Sharing the video on social media, RCB captioned it, Welcome to Bengaluru Mahi. The viral video got a lot of attention, as till now the video has gained 17 lakh likes and 4000 comments. This gesture of sportsmanship has won hearts across the cricket fraternity.

Fans on social media are loving this display of respect and fair play between archrivals. Many fans have expressed their appreciation for the mutual respect between Dhoni and the RCB team. It’s a refreshing reminder that even during fierce competition, the spirit of sportsmanship can prevail.

Social media reacted to the video by saying it was divided by teams and united by Chai. People on social media commented that this is what cricket is all about: respect for the game and the legends expressing their love for cricket as a sport. A user wrote, who would know that they’d see Mahi in the RCB den.

Another user commented, saying, this warms his heart. It is great to see such generosity despite the competition, A third user said. Even former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag shared his emotions, saying it looks like Dhoni forgot which dressing room he was in! Just kidding, this is brilliant stuff, he added. Sehwag also said this shows the true spirit of the game.

Meanwhile, under the captainship of MS Dhoni, CSK has lifted the IPL trophy 5-times, while RCB is yet to a title.

Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK is all set to clash with Faf du Plessis-led RCB tomorrow, on Saturday, at 7:30 PM. The heated clash will be live streamed on Jio Tv.

Former India captain Virat Kohli penned a heartfelt note for Sunil Chhetri as he announced his retirement from international football today. Kohli, known for his sportsmanship and respect for athletes across disciplines, took to social media to honour Chhetri’s illustrious career and his invaluable contribution to Indian football.

Taking to social media X, formerly Twitter, Kohli’s said, Sunil Chhetri is a true legend of Indian football, his passion, dedication, and unmatched skill have inspired millions. Wishing best for Chhetri’s future, Kohli also said Indian football will always be grateful.

Board of Control Cricket for India (BCCI) also took to their official social media handle and reshared the video of Sunil Chhetri, saying, his career has been nothing short of extraordinary and he has been a phenomenal icon for Indian football and Indian sports. Go well, Captain, the post added.

Apart from Kohli, several other sports personalities also took to social media to express their gratitude and admiration for Chhetri. Star badminton player PV Sindhu to boxing champion Mary Kom, athletes from various disciplines paid tribute to Chhetri’s impact on Indian sports.

Sindhu in a tweet that she feels proud to have shared the field with him. She also mentioned that his dedication and passion for the game have been truly inspiring, and wished him the best for the future.

Mary Kom congratulated Sunil Chhetri on an incredible career. The boxing legend hailed Chhetri’s commitment to the sport and for the country. She also wished him all the best for his future endeavors.

Beyond the realm of sports, Chhetri’s retirement resonated with fans who admired his humility, resilience, and love for the game. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most revered sports personalities serves as a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance.

Meanwhile, Sunil Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian football, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes across the nation. The India football captain will play his last match on June 6 against Kuwait.